Álvaro Siza[1] is no stranger to Inhabitat - in August we revisited the architect's amazing Serpentine solar installation[2] in London. The Carlos Ramos Pavilion in Porto[3] is another beautiful display of Siza's vision - the timeless design renovated an aging architecture school into beautiful minimalist building.

[4]

The restored two-storey building began its life as an architecture school in the Portuguese port town. The buildings are now arranged with a shared courtyard in the center and large windows overlooking the space. The Portuguese architect designed the structure so that every room would have diagonal views of the Douro River[5] and beyond.

The design is kept simple and minimal – it focuses on enhancing space with elevated walls and creating quiet areas for studying. Siza paid specific attention to details to hone in on this approach – seats are built into a curved balcony on the first floor to provide a site for inspiration and contemplation.